News: JB-Singapore RTS Link delayed further to April 2020

Nov 5, 2019

This comes as the details of Malaysia’s proposed changes to the RTS Link project is not yet ready.

While Malaysia had already decided to go ahead with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the suspension period for the project has been extended to 30 April 2020.

The reason for the extended suspension? The details of Malaysia’s proposed changes to the RTS Link project is “not yet ready”, said Khaw in a written response to a question raised in Parliament on Monday (4 November).

“Without the details, Malaysia’s proposal is incomplete and Singapore is unable to make a thorough assessment of the technical and commercial feasibility of the proposal,” he added.

He revealed that Malaysia had, on 29 October, requested for the suspension to be extended by another six months to 30 April 2020, reported CNA.

“In the spirit of bilateral cooperation, Singapore agreed to Malaysia’s request to further extend the suspension period,” said Khaw.

Malaysia: “Not yet ready”

In May, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to suspend the RTS Link’s construction until 30 September at the request of Malaysia.

“Singapore welcomes Malaysia’s decision to proceed with the RTS Link Project. This is a mutually beneficial project for both countries. The RTS Link will significantly ease Causeway congestion, facilitate business and tourism, and bring our people closer together,” said Khaw.

“While we are not obliged to accept Malaysia’s proposed changes, we will continue to keep an open mind and assess them carefully and objectively.”